Interim manager Nick Daws was happy with his side’s ability to get back into the tie after Cameron McGeehan’s late equaliser in the League One play-off semi-final first leg at home to Rotherham United.
The Iron drew 2-2 and came back into the game twice with two equalisers from a Michael Ihiekwe own goal and McGeehan.
Speaking to iFollow Iron after the game, Daws spoke about the result, the second leg and the atmosphere.
ON THE 2-2 DRAW…
ND: I am pleased with the result and happy that we got back into the tie and take a draw to the Rotherham game on Wednesday. I thought we could have done a bit more on the day. I thought we allowed Rotherham to dictate their style of play on us more than us dictating our style of play on them. That gives me a lot of confidence that there is more to come. What we need to do now is to be better than we were today and go and win the game. We have got a lot of tools in our armoury that have not been seen today. We know the areas where we need to improve on and from that point of view, it gives me a lot of confidence. The boys know that they can play better, but we also have to play with respect to Rotherham’s set-up, which prevented us in many ways today.
ON THE EQUALISERS…
ND: I thought it was good to get back into the game so quickly after conceding. The goals conceded were really disappointing and we know that. I thought that we had other opportunities in that first-half to get a second and maybe a third. For the neutral supporter, I thought it was an entertaining game, but I thought the players gave absolutely everything.
ON THE FIRST GOAL…
ND: It came from an astounding ball from Hakeeb (Adelakun) but it only happens because of the run from Duane (Holmes). Rotherham are aware of the threats that we pose and they didn’t deal with them in that situation. The defender was trying his best to come around and cover, but ended up sticking it in the back of the net. I am disappointed for Duane because he has been due a goal. Hopefully he will save at least one for the second-leg if he plays.
ON McGEEHAN’S LATE LEVELLER…
ND: Cameron McGeehan came on and has been threatening that area for a number of weeks. He has got a great desire, great work ethic and understanding of the role he currently has in the team. I think we were only waiting for him to get a clean contact on the ball, but today it was bundled in. I am pleased for him. I know that I have got a number of players that I can rely on from the bench and also the others that unfortunately have to sit in the stand.
ON MATT GILKS COMING OFF…
ND: He twisted his knee I believe when he released the ball to counter from the catch. He tried it, but couldn’t carry on. He did the right thing. Rory Watson came on and looked composed, calm and confident in a situation that was quite hostile. He is an outstanding goalkeeper and has a huge future ahead of him. Hopefully Matt will be okay, if not Rory will play and he will be fine.
ON THE SECOND-LEG…
ND: It is an away game that we need to win, so the players know exactly what we need to do. We will set the team up accordingly and give it the best shot we can. Hopefully we can come out with the win that we desperately want.
ON THE ATMOSPHERE…
ND: I was lost in the occasion a little bit today, but I heard it and it was noisy. As the atmosphere was so good, it just became that type of atmosphere that you want and expect every week. I thought both sets of supporters gave it all for their team. They stuck with us and played a big part in getting us back in the game.
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